City Council Meeting Date: December 11, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Presentation by Bridgewater Township Related to Northfield Annexation Agreement Status and Exploration of Incorporation.
Body
Action Requested:
None.
Summary Report:
The City currently has an orderly annexation agreement with Bridgewater Township to provide for the long-term urban growth of the City of Northfield while balancing the preservation of the townships rural character. The City's Comprehensive Plan outlines longer-term plans for growth in development over time in this area and others in neighboring townships. The comprehensive plan is attached as a hyperlink for reference.
The current orderly annexation agreement is ending in 2019. The City has received a resolution from the County dated in July that inquires about starting a process to explore a new agreement. There had been no contact with the City since that time. City staff had planned to initiate discussions with the Council in early 2019 related to having conversations with the township about establishing a new orderly annexation agreement.
City staff very recently became aware of other discussions Bridgewater Township has been having around the exploration of incorporation, which in summary means they are considering becoming a city. The following is an excerpt of a Fall Bridgewater Township Newsletter that was sent from Bridgewater Township Board to all their residents:
Long-Term Planning
For a number of reasons, the Town Board is considering changing the governance model of the Township. Our annexation agreement with Northfield expires at the end of 2019. It has served us well since signed in 1999. In July, the Board formally requested the Northfield City Council to inform us if they are interested in negotiating a new agreement. We have not received a response. We think that having no agreement is not acceptable. Beyond that, members of the Board have been a...
Click here for full text